Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Chas Dean, I’m with Stupid
Chas Dean shares his insights into the best and worst of our brains and bodies and the dumb things they do.
Comedian Q&A
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What can people expect from your show at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival?
I’m With Stupid (a one man show, by the way) comes from my struggle to live up to the expectation that I was a smart person and would do great things.
Spoilers: Along the way I’ve had a pretty good time, but I’ve also done some pretty dumb stuff.
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The good news is, it’s not all bad and we should just relax. Well, I probably should, anyway.
Tell us about yourself.
This is my debut solo show at the festival.
For the last few years I’ve been helping friends run shows, making the odd sneaky appearance on stage and getting properly motivated (read: burning with jealousy) to get up and do my own thing.
Spruik it! Who should see your show, and why?
Have you ever wondered what makes someone clever? What makes someone dumb? Don’t we all look dumb sometimes?
If these sorts of questions keep you up at night, come check me out.
If you’re plagued by the same thoughts as me, I’ll help you think again. Or not, you’re well within your rights not too. Thinking too much is upsetting.
What’s your No. 1 tip for people coming to see a show at the comedy festival?
Plan your time wisely. Use the website if you’re internet savvy, or the guide in the Herald Sun if you prefer to scribble and circle names and faces. Give yourself time to get between shows and take the time to have a drink or a nibble along the way.
Which other comedians/shows are you keen to see at this year’s festival, and why?
There are some choice international acts this year: Maria Bamford, Ron Funches and Rosie Jones are my picks.
There are some great ensemble shows and podcast events as well.
I’ll be spending my Saturday afternoons with The Little Dum Dum Club and hoping for some special guests.
What stands out to you about Melbourne?
I’ve been in Melbourne for a decade now, and I’ve well and truly gone native.
I love that this is a city where art ‘happens’ and the festival is my favourite time of the year for that reason.
The whole CBD just cheers up, and everyone you meet in the evening is on their way to have a good time, or heading home from having a laugh.
Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?
Finley Peter Dunne was an American humourist who had a real talent for writing funny pieces that slyly skewered the political establishment.
He’s the one who coined the phrase ‘comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable’, which is something I try to live by.
That’s a double-edged saying, too, you know? I’m trying to lift people up, but also to make sure I don’t get too comfortable.
Anything else you want us to know about you or your show?
I do stray into some darker topics (addiction, mental illness) but we all come out of it smiling, I promise.
My ultimate message — assuming I have one — is that ultimately, we don’t need to feel bad about our choices.
Life’s a journey; try and take some nice pictures but don’t sweat the mileage.
CHAS DEAN, I’M WITH STUPID, MARCH 27-APRIL 10, Caz Reitops Dirty Secrets, 80 Smith St, Collingwood. BOOK TICKETS.